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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.